Third O.C. Lego store opens Friday in Mission Viejo

Oct. 6, 2011

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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Lego figures were first created in 1974, with the first minifigures being introduced four years later. The figures brought role-playing into the Lego experience. In 1995, the Lego Primo line was launched with characters for babies and toddlers. In 1998, Lego Group and Lucasfilm signed a licensing agreement for the rights to make and market Lego sets based on "Star Wars." Other similar agreements followed. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

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Lego elements are made at factories in Mexico, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Denmark. In 2010, more than 36 billion pieces were made, or 1,140 every second. Lego elements are tested for durability. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

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Lego blocks, parts and figures are made of ABS plastic, a common thermoplastic used in musical instruments such as recorders and plastic clarinets, automotive trim and luggage. It has good shock absorbance and can be recycled. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

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One of Lego's products includes this Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb set. Lego products range from simple bricks to board games to Lego Universe, a massively-multiplayer online game. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

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There are 120 core Lego designers, most of whom have trained at design or art schools. Lego Group is based in Billund, Denmark, but has what it refers to as "listening posts" in Munich, Los Angeles and Tokyo to monitor trends. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

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There are about 4,000 different Lego elements -- bricks, wheels, people, etc. -- and 58 colors. They are sold in about 8,000 combinations. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

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The ABS plastic used in Lego elements is heated to about 450 degrees Fahrenheit until it is the consistency of dough. The plastic is injected into moulds at very high pressure and takes up about 10 seconds to cool. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

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The use of granulated ABS plastic began in 1963. The plastic is very hard and has a scratch-resistant surface. The qualities are ideal for keeping the bricks connected. Bricks that aren't sold are melted down and made into new bricks. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

Lego figures were first created in 1974, with the first minifigures being introduced four years later. The figures brought role-playing into the Lego experience. In 1995, the Lego Primo line was launched with characters for babies and toddlers. In 1998, Lego Group and Lucasfilm signed a licensing agreement for the rights to make and market Lego sets based on "Star Wars." Other similar agreements followed. REPORTING BY CHRIS BOUCLY, PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGO

MISSION VIEJO – Lego will open its third O.C. store on Friday, bringing in a master builder who – with the help of Lego enthusiasts – will construct an 8-foot-tall SpongeBob SquarePants.

The Lego company was founded by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansen, who began making wooden toys in 1932. The name comes from the Danish phrase "leg godt," or "play well." The Lego brick was launched and the design patented in 1958. The business, now called Lego Group, was passed from father to son and today is owned by the founder's grandson, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, and his children.

The company has 55 U.S. stores in 24 states, as well as stores in Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark. The other two Orange County stores are in South Coast Plaza and Downtown Disney.

There are four Legoland parks, though they were sold to Merlin Entertainments Group in 2005 so Lego Group could focus on its core business, according to a company fact sheet. Lego Group's owner has a stake in Merlin.

The Mission Viejo Lego store, at 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, takes the place of Lucy Activewear, which closed in August. Friday's grand opening will feature master builder Daniel Steininger, spokeswoman Amanda Santoro wrote in an email.

Master builders are divided into two groups: those who design the Lego sets; and those who design and build Lego models at parks, stores and special events, according to Santoro.

The grand opening runs three days, with in-store giveaways to the first 300 customers on Saturday and Sunday who spend $35.

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